Alleged School District Negligence in Preventing Sexual Assault on School Buses

Case Overview

This case involves a female student who was repeatedly sexually assaulted by an older male student during their bus rides to and from school. The incidents, which occurred more than once, were captured on video during one of the instances.

The plaintiff alleges that the school district demonstrated negligence by allowing older students to sit with much younger ones, thereby failing to prevent sexual assault. Furthermore, it is claimed that the district did not ensure that drivers were adequately trained on standard protocols for spotting, reporting, and preventing such assaults. An expert in school transportation policies has been sought to review the case and comment on the necessary policies and procedures to prevent similar occurrences.

Questions to the Education Administration expert and their responses

Can you describe your experience creating, overseeing, and/or enforcing school transportation policies, specifically as it relates to public school bus safety if applicable?

I have several decades of experience in school administration. As Assistant Principal at a large high school, I played a significant role in implementing numerous policies aimed at preventing sexual assault within the school premises and on school buses.

I also ensured that all employees responsible for children's oversight were thoroughly trained and educated on these policies.

Briefly, what policies and training standards exist to prevent sexual assault on school buses?

Policies and training standards should primarily focus on hiring qualified bus drivers and transportation supervisors who have clean criminal background checks. Training should be provided on recognizing signs of sexual assault and reporting them promptly.

Additionally, guidelines should be established for seating students from different grade levels on the bus. A minimum number of safety trainings should be mandated, along with comprehensive understanding and training on reasonable student supervisory duties and practices.

About the expert

This expert boasts over three decades of experience in education and school administration, with a strong academic background including a BS in Physical Education and both an MS and PhD in Educational Administration. They have held significant positions such as Assistant Principal, Associate Professor, Department Head, and Chair of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at renowned universities. Currently serving as a professor of educational leadership and policy studies at a public research university, they are widely published, active in professional organizations, and have received numerous grants for their work, making them highly qualified to provide insights into school transportation policies.

E-246562

Specialties:

Education Administration